Let’s meet Jake, a descendant of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, who has found both community and opportunity at SKC. His story is about his unique experiences, honing his leadership skills, and connecting to his Native roots, all while pursuing his academic goals in the master’s program of Natural Resources Management. Here at SKC, Jake is able to combine culture with passion. Tell us all about it, Jake.
– Thanks, Alex. Salish Kootenai College was the right choice for me because it offered a way for me to connect to my Native roots and achieve my academic goals at the same time. I’m blessed to be here at SKC. I’ve had opportunities that have shaped me as an academic, a leader, and as a Native. With grant-funded programs and career services, SKC offers access to scholarships and internships with unique experiences I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. Last summer, I had the opportunity to take part in an internship with the Geronimo Hotshots in San Carlos, Arizona. This experience not only taught me firefighting skills, but it also showed me effective leadership, organizational skills, and paramilitary structure. It was a great experience that I’ll never forget. I also had another internship that involved touring the Montana Tribal Colleges. We participated in listening sessions about work-based learning and career service opportunities. SKC ensured my internships were tailored to the experience I wanted. As a forestry student, I’m able to engage in hands-on learning just minutes from campus. As part of my classes, we go out and measure diameter, base height, and core trees. The forestry program here is one of few in the country that emphasizes the relationship between the forest, tribal sovereignty, and cultural preservation. SKC has been a community and a home for me in more than just an academic way. I’ve been blessed to be a part of this community and the opportunities available here, which helped me grow in my leadership capacities. What’s next? I’m entering the master’s program for Natural Resource Management at SKC. It’s truly a place that provides a home for long-term learning. That’s me. Back to you, Alex.
– Jake, what an exciting journey. Your story reflects SKC’s commitment to hands-on opportunities with lifelong support. With graduate programs in Natural Resource Management, Life Sciences, and Education, SKC offers many diverse paths for growth. We look forward to your continued success in your master’s program and beyond. Best wishes, Jake.
Let’s meet Lucas, a high school senior and college sophomore who took an unconventional route to higher education by starting college courses while being homeschooled. Lucas is a double major, a chess competitor, and a national American Indian Higher Education Consortium champion. His story is proof that success is defined by perseverance, not convention. Lucas, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. When I was younger, I was never motivated to learn new skills or even think about my future. I attended public school until fifth grade, then was homeschooled. In 11th grade, I took the bold step to enroll in early college courses at Salish Kootenai College. At first, I wasn’t sure which path to take. With my advisor’s guidance, I decided to double major in pre-engineering and an associate of science. That’s when I found my passion for technology. I do 3D printing and design, which is cool because I can design and print anything I want, like wall hangers and 3D models, as well as other things I can’t find online. I also enjoy taking videos and photos with my drone, which you can get a commercial license for at SKC. Recently, I even helped film a project on campus that highlighted skills, remote learning, effective communication, and time management, which are all very important to us here at SKC. After finishing college finals, I’ve completed my high school equivalency test and will also graduate with two degrees. So basically, I’ll be graduating high school and college in the same week, proving there isn’t just one right path to success. SKC’s academic guidance helped me a lot along the way. I’ve had opportunities I never imagined, like competing for two years at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Conference, where I placed first and second in the science bowl. I also had the opportunity to compete against a grandmaster in chess, finishing second, which was an unforgettable experience. SKC’s commitment to personal and academic growth helped me gain confidence, knowledge, and real-world experience, all while being homeschooled. Next, I plan to study electrical engineering, following in my grandpa’s footsteps. Even if you’re searching for direction, SKC proves that with the right support, anything is possible. Back to you, Alex.
– Lucas, your story really shows how SKC helps students discover their full potential. Here, students are encouraged to forge new pathways and pursue bold goals. We’re excited to see you expand your skills and how you’ll continue to push barriers as an electrical engineer. Thanks again, Lucas.
Let’s check in with Tyrese, an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho tribe who came to SKC determined to build a better future. Through SKC’s various career and technical education programs, students gain hands-on experience in the newest technology and machines. From truck driving and CDL certification to heavy equipment operation, Tyrese is ready for his future. Tyrese, take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. My Buffalo Trail began in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. After earning my carpentry diploma from Wind River Job Corps, I knew I had more to offer and more to learn. I’ve always been motivated to better myself and pursue education, so I chose SKC because I saw an opportunity to grow, not just with a degree, but with real hands-on skills. The Highway Construction Training program combines truck driving, CDL training, and heavy equipment coursework using the latest industry technology. We train on immersive simulators and brand-new equipment, including trucks purchased just this year. Whether it’s HCT, building trades, or one of SKC’s other career and technical education programs, you’ll be truly prepared for work in the real world. In fact, one of the biggest names in construction visited our campus and said our facilities go beyond what they’ve seen at other schools. That told me I was in the right place. At SKC, learning isn’t just academic, it’s personal. I’ve gained technical knowledge, but also confidence, purpose, and pride. Every early morning and long day is a step towards a better future for me. What really makes SKC different is the support. In most jobs, if life throws something at you, you’re on your own. They really understand that we’re human. You’re supported to keep showing up for school, for your family, and for yourself. Now, I’m ready to take what I learned into the workforce. I plan to provide for my family, give back to my community, and keep moving forward. That’s my buffalo trail. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Tyrese, for that powerful reflection. Your story reminds us that education isn’t just about books. It’s about skills, support, and believing in your future. From simulators to steel, your hard work at SKC is paving a strong path forward. We’re so excited to see where your bison trail leads next. Tyrese, thanks again.
Okay. Let’s hear from Anna, a life sciences major and enrolled member of the Woody Island Tribe. Her journey to SKC started with an unexpected decision and led to a passion for dentistry, cutting-edge research, and student leadership. From remote learning to state-of-the-art labs right here on campus, Anna is now on track to become a dentist. All yours, Anna, take it away.
– Thanks for that kind introduction, Alex. As an enrolled member of the Woody Island Tribe up in Alaska, I had a pretty normal childhood. I mostly grew up in Palmer, and I always knew that I wanted to help people, but college wasn’t really my first choice until I enrolled into the dental assistant training program. That experience changed everything. Through that program, I discovered a field that blends science, creativity, and service. I fell in love with dentistry. It’s a perfect fusion of what I value: healing, learning, and artistic precision. After researching the tribal schools, I returned to look at SKC. It’s the only tribal college that offers a bachelor’s degree covering both pre-dental and pre-medicine requirements with cutting-edge technology like digital scanning and 3D printing. The program trains dental assistants to play a bigger role in patient care. This includes hands-on opportunities to make dental appliances. The small class sizes and supportive faculty at SKC make a huge difference. My organic chemistry class had just five students. That level of attention is not common, especially for undergraduates. Here, professors know your name and care about your growth. Even though I joined SKC through the remote dental assistant training program, I’ve grown to love Northwestern Montana and its community. I’ve served two years on our student senate, including as president, helped out with the food box program, and played with rescue dogs at the local shelter. These experiences helped me grow both as a leader and a future healthcare provider. Now, as I prepare to apply for dental school, the journey hasn’t stopped, but SKC has given me the foundation upon which to build. I built confidence, purpose, and a vision for my future at this institution, and I’ve done so by living by the quote, “The greatest failure in life is to not try.” Thanks. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Anna, for sharing your inspiring path from Alaska to SKC and onward. Your dedication to becoming a healthcare professional and a leader reflects the spirit of SKC. With your courage, curiosity, and drive, we know you’re gonna make an amazing dentist. Keep it up, Anna.
It’s time to meet Adam, a Salish Kootenai College alum whose journey is one of resilience, service, and innovation. He has overcome challenges of his own with fortitude and purpose and now finds ways to empower the youth of the reservation in partnership with SKC and the Boys & Girls Club. Tell us how you’re making an amazing impact. Adam, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. I am originally from China, Montana, and especially the Flathead Reservation has been my home for the past 10 years. Since I was six, I dreamed of going to college. With the support of my adoptive family and the Salish Kootenai College, that dream is now a reality. The faculty and staff played a pivotal role in my journey, providing the encouragement for me to succeed despite being legally blind. Their commitment and encouragement inspired me to give back, a value that deeply resonates with our community. While studying, I worked as a work-study intern at our local Boys & Girls Club, which became a full-time role after graduation. People often ask me, “What is your why?” I wanted to be there for others because SKC was there for me. With their support, my time in the education department didn’t just prepare me to be a teacher. I flourished in my role and have become an advocate for those in need. One of the most incredible initiatives I am involved in is a laser cutter entrepreneurship program at the local Boys & Girls Club, which empowers teens to turn their creative ideas into reality. This program, backed by generous SKC grants and resources, enables me to guide teens in utilizing technology to innovate and launch their own businesses. I even led our teen leadership group to Washington D.C., where we advocated for what’s important to our communities in front of senators and representatives. I am incredibly grateful for the profound impact SKC and my family has had on my life. My time at SKC combined with my community service has equipped me to continue making a difference and guide future leaders. Tossing it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Adam. Your powerful story is an inspiring example of how support, perseverance, and purpose can spark real change. Your advocacy and innovation continue to uplift others, both in and out of your community. We’re proud to share your accomplishments, and keep doing great things, Adam. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Wacey, a first-generation descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe. Wacey brings a powerful purpose to his education as he works to revitalize the Salish language through SKC’s Culture and Language Studies program. Let’s hear how he’s preserving Indigenous knowledge for future generations. Wacey, you’re up.
– Growing up, I always heard Salish spoken by elders who are no longer with us today. Their voices remain in my memory, inspiring my desire to learn our ancestral language. Living near the longhouse where the Salish Culture Committee is based, I was always surrounded by cultural knowledge and tradition. I was fortunate to join the language apprenticeship program at the Longhouse, dedicating two years to learning the Salish language. Afterwards, I entered the Cultural Language Studies program, or CALS, at SKC. Now we apply our language skills in the field through hands-on cultural practices. In the fall, we gather mountain tea and foliage to make traditional teas, and in the spring, we harvest cattails to weave mats. We also create tools such as fish traps, cordage, and fire kits from Native plants. These traditional ways of being have been honed over many generations as scientific observations guided our people to become some of the first naturalists, scientists, manufacturers, and managers of their homelands. The CALS program is truly unique, and SKC is one of the few colleges offering such an immersive cultural experience. The surrounding Mission Valley serves as a living classroom, helping students engage with their education on a much deeper level. Thanks to the language apprenticeship and CALS programs, I’ve become the first proficient Salish speaker in my family in nearly a century. SKC supports every student’s journey, whether you know your path or are still finding it. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wacey, your dedication to language revitalization and traditional knowledge shows how SKC supports academic and cultural excellence. We’re so honored to hear your story guided by your heart, your language, and your land. Thank you for carrying your ancestors’ voices forward into the future. Keep up the amazing work, Wacey. Thanks again.
Let’s introduce Eric, also known in the drifting world as Ricky Rips. Eric is a recent graduate who studied automotive technology and high performance motorsports. Clubs at UNOH are more than just hobbies. They’re pathways to real industry experience. From starting the university’s very first drift club to changing tires at pit crew practice, Eric found his passion and his people. Eric, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I came to UNOH all the way from Colchester, Connecticut. Cars haven’t always been in my life, but things that go fast and create adrenaline have. I got into cars when I was 14, and since then, it has progressed, leading me to UNOH to learn how to design and build race cars. Once I got to campus, I met many like-minded people. I made new friends and made connections that I’ll have for a lifetime. Not knowing what type of racing I fit into yet, I explored a handful of clubs and quickly met my people. I got introduced to drifting through students involved in these clubs and quickly became close friends. We worked on drift cars day and night. Soon enough, we found ourselves all working together to put together the first-ever university-sponsored Drift Club. Thanks to the school’s support for students finding their passion, we’re able to partner with professional drift teams, which can lead to jobs immediately after graduation. What other school can you go to and drive your own car on their personal test pad? And Drift Club isn’t the only one. There are many other clubs with perks tailored to their interests. There’s Off-Road Club, Drag Club, Over-The-Wall Club, which focuses specifically on pit crew skills. Outside of racing, There’s clubs for boxing, eSports, agriculture. You name it, it’s here, and with many doorways to professional connections that students can only find at UNOH No matter your major, whether it’s diesel, accounting, robotics, motorsports, marketing, or high performance, like me, you’ll find what you’re passionate about, enjoy yourself, and gain tons of experience all at the same time. Keep your foot floored, your RPMs high, and I’ll see you at the racetrack. All you, Alex.
– Unbelievable, Eric. Imagine a college that lets you burn rubber at a university supported event. We don’t have to imagine it. It’s all at UNOH. Eric’s story shows how getting involved can launch you straight into a career. Clubs, hands-on learning, and lasting friendships, it’s all part of the Racer experience. Keep up the great work, Eric, and thanks again.
Say hello to Mayce, a proud UNOH alum from Muncie, Indiana. With a business administration degree with a focus on marketing and a lifelong passion for racing, Mayce’s journey is proof that UNOH helps students turn dreams into thriving careers, both on and off the track. Mayce, tell us your inspiring story.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everyone. I’ve been drag racing since I was 13, so I knew I wanted to build a life around things I was passionate about. Racing taught me a lot, discipline, focus, and how to think fast, but I also knew I needed a strong foundation outside of the track. I wanted an education that supported my goals long-term, whether I stayed in the racing industry or shifted gears entirely, and that’s what led me to University of Northwestern Ohio. UNOH stood out because it offered the perfect mix of hands-on education and real-world experience, especially in the industries I already loved. As a business administration student with a focus in marketing, I found so many ways to get involved. I joined the American Marketing Association, worked in Admissions, became a Racer Leader, and ran the Rotoract Club, which focuses on service and community engagement. Those roles shaped me into a confident communicator and leader, and they’ve opened the door to friendships and professional connections that have reached far beyond campus, even across the globe. What made UNOH different for me was how it turned my passions into a launching pad for a career. I wasn’t just learning marketing, I was living it. From giving campus tours to representing the university at events, I was able to tell stories, build a brand, and find my voice. I realized I can use those same storytelling and strategies in the racing industry and beyond. After graduation, I went on to lead marketing at my family’s racing engine building business, and now I focus on another passion of mine as the marketing director for a mental health counseling center. UNOH helped me turn my passions into a lifelong career, and I could not be more grateful, and that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Mayce, from the racetrack to leading a mental health center’s marketing team, your journey shows how the University of Northwestern Ohio builds students flexible real-world skills that can take graduates anywhere. Thank you for showing us how passion and education go hand in hand here. Take care, Mayce.
Let’s all welcome Jeb, a junior from Bloomington, Illinois. Jeb’s passion for racing and marketing came together at UNOH where the university’s Career Services Office and well-developed industry partnerships fuel big dreams. From NASCAR internships to motorsports marketing, UNOH makes career connections real. Take it away, Jeb.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, guys? As a kid, I got my love for racing from my grandpa. As a teenager, I worked on a professional Dirt Late Model team. UNOH happened to sponsor the series that we competed in, and I never looked back. I always knew that I wanted to go to a school that supported my dream career. UNOH provides so many opportunities to get involved and get hands-on experience. Students are able to make industry connections with companies like Monster Jam, Formula DRIFT, NASCAR, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. When I was on the technical side of the college, I completed two years as a crew chief for the UNOH motorsports team. Through the team, I interned as a crewman for Garrett Alberson’s Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series team. Now as a business marketing student, I’m able to learn about the business side of the industry I love. I’m learning how to manage teams and propose marketing options to sponsors across the country and the world. Nowhere else can you learn in the classroom on the weekdays and then work at the highest levels of racing on the weekends. This is all thanks to UNOH’s Career Services. They have connections throughout so many industries and can help students build resumes, train for job interviews, or even get internships. With the hands-on I’ve gained on the tech side, the marketing expertise I’m learning on the business side, the connections I’ve made through Career Services, and the numerous opportunities I’ve had on the motorsports team, I have everything I need to succeed. I don’t know where I’d be without UNOH. I know that this is the place for me, and I’m proud to be a Racer. Back to you, Alex.
– Great work, Jeb. We are so pumped to see your success, and thanks for sharing how a UNOH education in the classrooms and shops can lead straight to a career at the racetrack or the boardroom. UNOH truly does turn your passion into a career. Thanks again, Jeb.
Say hello to Lane, a Sports Marketing and Management major from Lewisburg, Ohio. UNOH’s small campus delivers big opportunities, and Lane experienced this firsthand. Imagine working events like the Super Bowl while still in college. Ready to see how a supportive campus can lead to life changing experiences? Tell us all about Lane. Take it away.
– Thanks for that intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I wasn’t sure about going to college until my senior year of high school. when Professor Gunder came and gave a speech that changed everything. He told us how UOH gave real-world experience to students, not just boring classroom lectures, and I was sold. As a Sport Marketing and Management major, I realized if I wanted to work in sports, I was gonna need to build connections and gain experience. UNOH students had worked the Final Four, the NFL Draft, and even the Super Bowl. My first thought was, “Wait, I actually have a chance to work the Super Bowl?” Sure enough, I went to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the NFL Draft in Green Bay and Detroit. I’m also a member of the soccer team, so I get to meet students from almost every continent. I’ve learned so much about different cultures, shared stories, and created friendships that go far beyond the field and even UNOH. It’s crazy to think that one small university in Ohio brought that all into my life. My professor says that UOH is a small campus with big opportunities, and honestly, that couldn’t be more true. It’s the kind of place where professors know your name and help you land once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly prepare you for your career. UNOH has taught me that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens on the field, in new cities, and through the friendships that you make. I’m ready for what’s next in the sports world, and I’m grateful that UNOH gave me the tools and confidence to go out there and chase it. Passing it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Lane, what an unforgettable experience you’re having here. Your story shows us exactly how small campuses can open doors to giant opportunities. UNOH’s real-world connections and supportive community gives students a major headstart. Thank you for the inspiration, Lane. We look forward to seeing you working in the sports industry real soon.